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Promoting Indigenous Treatments for Animal Health

New Delhi, June 30: President Droupadi Murmu emphasized the importance of creating indigenous, affordable, and chemical-free treatments for enhancing animal healthcare in India during a convocation ceremony at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh.

She highlighted the necessity of conserving animal species, which is vital for maintaining biodiversity and the overall health of our planet.

“We must seek out indigenous and cost-effective treatments and nutrition for animals,” President Murmu stated, urging for alternatives to medications that may have adverse effects on both animals and humans, as well as the environment.

Additionally, she called for the integration of advanced technologies such as gene editing and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform animal healthcare, similar to advancements in human medicine.

“Technology has the potential to bring about significant changes in veterinary medicine and care. Its application can empower veterinary facilities nationwide,” she remarked.

“Innovations like genome editing, embryo transfer technologies, AI, and big data analytics can lead to groundbreaking advancements in this sector,” she added.

The President noted that Indian culture recognizes the divine presence in all living beings, emphasizing the human responsibility to coexist harmoniously with wildlife and forests.

“The intellect and understanding bestowed upon humans should be directed towards the welfare of all creatures,” she stated, stressing the urgency of developing medicines to prevent the extinction of species such as vultures.

“Numerous species are either extinct or nearing extinction, with chemical medications in veterinary practices contributing to the decline of vultures,” she explained.

Founded in 1889 to combat the rinderpest epidemic, IVRI has reached numerous significant milestones over its 135-year history.

The President acknowledged IVRI's pivotal role in animal health, particularly in the prevention and management of zoonotic diseases.

She commended IVRI students for dedicating their careers to the treatment and welfare of animals, urging them to consider entrepreneurship and establish start-ups in various animal science fields.